Broncos’ Boyd buoyed by return to fullback

BRONCOS skipper Darius Boyd is back to his best after admitting he has struggled for most of 2018.

Boyd was sensational in his favoured No.1 jersey as Brisbane upset the Roosters 22-8 in Sydney on Saturday. The 31year-old fullback pulled off a number of inspirational defensive plays as the Broncos held Sydney tryless for 67 minutes.

Boyd was shifted to centre a month ago as coach Wayne Bennett searched for a way to spark the faltering Broncos.

Rookie-of-the-year contender Jamayne Isaako did little wrong in three games at fullback, but Bennett’s decision to move Boyd back proved to be an inspired one. Boyd missed out on Queensland Origin selection and retired from the representative arena due to hamstring concerns at the start the year, but has found a yard of pace in recent wins against the Rabbitohs and Roosters.

“It hasn’t been my best year personally on the field,” he said. “I’ve been disappointed with that, but the last two weeks I’ve been happy with my performances.

“It’s about building at the right time of the year and getting confidence back, which I’m glad to be getting back.

“I want to be performing at my best and leading the team as well as I can. The last two games have been good.”

Despite his injury and form struggles, Boyd has played all 23 Broncos games this season.

He will again start at fullback in Sunday’s final game of the regular season against Manly at Suncorp Stadium, where the Broncos will have the opportunity to push for a home semi-final.

“We knew we had the game won with a minute to go and he cracked a smile, which was really good,” veteran Broncos forward Sam Thaiday said. “The boys see that and it’s fairly encouraging for everyone.”

Bennett said Boyd’s defensive plays proved crucial in beating the top-two Roosters.

“Darius made a couple of wonderful plays at fullback when they got right through us altogether,” he said. “There was always a last line.”